Method and apparatus for the secure delivery of goods

ABSTRACT

When an order for goods ( 18 ) is placed via the Internet ( 14 ) for later delivery, a supplier ( 16 ) provides to a purchaser ( 12 ) via the Internet or other means a consignment unlock barcode; the purchaser prints out a copy of the consignment unlock barcode and the supplier attaches a copy ( 20 ) of a related unlock barcode to the goods ( 18 ). At the purchaser&#39;s premises is a secure container ( 22 ) with an electronic lock ( 32 ) and an external barcode reader ( 36 ). The purchaser programs the lock, by means of an exclusive master code and the supplier-generated consignment delivery code, to open when presented with the related unlock code. When a delivery driver presents the barcode ( 20 ) on the goods ( 18 ) to the reader ( 36 ), a control circuit ( 42 ) causes the electronic lock ( 32 ) to open. A second barcode reader ( 46 ) within the container ( 22 ) allows an infrared or radio receipt signal to be transmitted to a hand held infrared transceiver ( 52 ) after the securable container has been relocked.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the secure transferof goods, i.e., to a method by which goods can be delivered to premisesand securely stored in the absence of any person to receive the goods,or collected in the absence of any person.

A common irritation in today's society is the need for a householder tobe present to take delivery of goods when the time of delivery isfrequently defined over a wide time band. With the rapidly-expanding useof the Internet and other distance selling means to place orders forgoods, this situation is likely to occur even more frequently.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,053 Porter there is a disclosure of a storage anddelivery system in which goods are delivered into or collected from astorage enclosure having a lock controlled by a keypad; each vendor,such as a laundry business, a fast food outlet and a frozen foodsupplier, has a vendor code which is stored in a keypad controller. Whena vendor enters a correct vendor code the enclosure is unlocked andgoods can be collected or delivered.

Disadvantages of such an arrangement may be that a code is miskeyed sothat the enclosure remains locked, and that dishonest persons can use avalid vendor code to open a container and steal the contents.

It is an object of the invention to provide a solution to the problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention a method for securely ordering and takingdelivery of goods comprising the steps of:

a purchaser placing an order for goods with a supplier;

characterised by the supplier sending to the purchaser an unlockprogramming code associated with the goods and associating a visiblerepresentation of a related code with the goods;

the purchaser programming said unlock programming code into aprogrammable code reader means on an electronically lockable containeraccessible by a delivery driver;

the delivery driver entering the related unlock code on the programmablecode reader means;

the programmable code reader means permitting the container to beopened;

the delivery driver placing the goods in the securable container; and

the container being once more electronically locked.

Thus the unlock code provided by the supplier is unique to eachdelivered item, and the risk of miskeying a code is eliminated becausevisible representations of the code are used.

Preferably the unlock code is a barcode and a copy of a related barcodeis attached to the goods or the packaging for the goods. The relatedbarcode can be identical to the unlock programming code, or can containa different number of digits/elements. Usually the unlock programmingcode will contain more elements than the related code.

Also according to the invention, a secure container for delivery orcollection of goods comprising a container having an electronic lockingmeans; characterised by a barcode reader means arranged to read anexternally-presented visible barcode; and a control circuit programmableto recognize an unlock code, arranged so that on presentation of saidvisible barcode to the barcode reader means, the electronic lock permitsthe container to be opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by way of example only with reference tothe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates schematically the process for making a securedelivery of goods;

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a secure container according to theinvention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a process for securely returning faultygoods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the purchase and secure delivery system 10 of FIG. 1, a purchaser 12sends an enquiry E via the Internet 14 to a supplier 16. The supplierreturns an offer O via the Internet and the purchaser sends anacceptance A via the Internet, thus a legal contract is made.

The supplier 16 creates an individual code for the goods to be supplied,conveniently in the form of a barcode, which will be referred to in thisspecification as an unlock code. A physical representation of thebarcode 20 is attached to the goods 18 or their packaging, and will inthis example be referred to as a driver unlock code. The supplier 16sends an order acknowledgement or token T over the Internet 14 to thepurchaser 12, the token T also containing a copy of the barcode, whichwill be referred to as a consignment unlock code. The purchaser 12prints out a copy of this barcode by standard printing means.

The purchaser 12 has available an externally accessible container 22which has electronically lockable means, as indicated at 24. Thecontainer has external and internal barcode readers (not shown inFIG. 1) and a control circuit which allows the purchaser 12 to enter theconsignment unlock barcode provided by the supplier 16, e.g. via theexternal barcode reader. The purchaser also has a purchaser master codewhich operates the electronically lockable means, such as a masterbarcode.

When the goods 18 are to be delivered by a vehicle 26, the supplier 16supplies the driver with delivery instructions and goods with the driverunlock code, the physical representation of the barcode, securelyaffixed to the goods or the packaging. On arrival, the driver positionsthe visible barcode on the goods adjacent to the external barcodereader, the driver unlock code is sensed, the electronic lock isreleased, and the container 22 can be opened. The goods 18 are placedinside and the container is once more closed.

A suitable container is shown schematically in FIG. 2 and has a door 30with an electronic bolt 32 controlled by a bolt control circuit 34inside the container 22. Outside the container is a first barcode reader36 with a reading window 38 and an indicator lamp 40. The barcode reader36 and the bolt 32 are controlled by a control circuit 42 within thecontainer. The circuit 42 also controls a second barcode reader 46 onthe ceiling of the container (shown dotted). All electrical componentsare mains powered via a cable 48 which passes to a supply within thepurchaser's house. There may be a battery back-up supply (not shown).Alternatively the components may be solar powered. In event of powerfailure, default is to locked state but a real physical key would allowowner to get inside to retrieve any contents.

When a delivery is expected, the purchaser 12 prepares the container 22by presentation of the purchaser master barcode to the reading window 38of the external barcode reader 36; use of the purchaser master barcodeprovides added security. The control circuit 42 causes a “ready”indicator to show (e.g. the lamp 40 to light) and the purchaser 12 thenpresents the printed-out copy of the consignment unlock barcode to thereading window 38 of the external barcode reader 36. The control circuit42 indicates that it has received the consignment unlock code bylighting the indicator lamp 40 for a pre-determined time, showing thatthe lock is programmed and the door securely closed.

The delivery driver arrives and presents the visible barcode 20 attachedto the goods or their packaging to the reading window 38. The barcodereader 36 reads the barcode which is recognized by the control circuit42 as the driver unlock code; the circuit 42 instructs the electronicbolt to permit the door to be opened, and the goods are placed insidethe container 22 with the barcode 20 on the upper surface of the goods18. The internal barcode reader 46 now scans the barcode on the goods asindicated by the arrow S. If the barcode 20 on the goods is not visible,the lamp 40 is arranged to flash and the driver repositions the goodsuntil the lamp stops flashing, then closes the door 30. When the barcodereader 46 can correctly read the barcode 20 on the goods 18, the circuit42 recognizes it as the driver unlock barcode, and operates theelectronic bolt 32 to secure the container 22. Optionally a furtherindicator lamp (not shown) is provided to confirm to the driver that thecontainer is properly locked before he departs. The circuit 42 alsosends an infrared signal R which is sensed by a hand-held infraredreceiver 52, in the possession of the delivery driver. The signal R actsas a delivery receipt but of course the goods are still delivered with a“goods unexamined” status. The driver then returns to the supplier 16with the hand held receiver 52, and the delivery receipt is recorded bythe supplier 16.

The receipt could alternatively be issued into a and-held device by aDIN-type connector attached to the circuit 42 or other suitabletransmission means such as radio.

In a variation, the electronic record of delivery can be downloaded intothe supplier's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and can triggerpayment by the purchaser 12. An optional addition would be for thesupplier's ERP system to send to the purchaser 12 an email or ShortMessage Service message to a mobile telephone, confirming delivery. Thismay be convenient if the purchaser 12 is away from the delivery site forlong periods.

As an additional security measure, the container 22 optionally containsa pressure pad 54 which can sense the weight of the delivered goodswhich can then be matched to a weight coded within the consignmentunlock barcode. This prevents a dishonest delivery driver from removingthe physical representation 20 on the goods 18 and leaving only thelabel in the container 22.

At a convenient time, the purchaser 12 uses the purchaser master barcodecard to open the container 22 and remove the goods.

The control circuit 42 is arranged to open the electronic bolt 32 onlyonce on presentation of the driver unlock code. Thus a dishonestdelivery driver cannot obtain a receipt for the goods, open thecontainer 22 a second time, and remove the goods.

The consignment unlock barcode sent to the purchaser can be identical tothe driver unlock barcode affixed to the goods, or it can containadditional elements, for example to indicate the weight of the goods asexplained above. Alternatively there can be code to indicate that adelivery is expected on a certain day, thus instructing the container torespond to the driver unlock barcode only on that day.

The consignment unlock barcode supplied to the purchaser can also berelated to the driver unlock barcode on the goods by application of asimple algorithm for added security; for example Public Key Encryptioncan be used.

FIG. 3 shows a system for the secure return of faulty or unwanted “onapproval” goods. The purchaser 12 sends a return request Q over theInternet 14 to the supplier 16, who sends to the purchaser a returnnumber/token S, including a return consignment unlock barcode, which isprinted out by the purchaser 12 and placed on the goods to be returned56. The goods 56 are placed in a secure container 22 which is programmedwith the unlock code as before. The delivery driver has a copy of thedriver unlock barcode which is used to open the container door, and thegoods 56 are returned to the supplier 16.

An indicator (e.g. lamp 40) confirms to the driver that the door hasbeen properly closed.

The fact that the container 22 has been opened by use of the correctdriver unlock code acts as a log for the return of the goods 56. This isthe position whether or not the driver leaves a paper receipt for thegoods 56.

As an alternative to the secure return of faulty or unwanted goodspurchased by a purchaser, the arrangement can be modified (in a minorway easily made by a person skilled in the art) for use for thecollection of goods for service. For example, a householder or officeoccupier requiring laundry or clothes-cleaning or equipment repairservices can arrange for secure pick-up of the goods. The goods can bereturned in the same way as delivery of purchased goods.

In the embodiment described above the secure container 22 is a separatecontainer firmly attached to, or built into, the purchaser's house orbusiness premises. Alternatively, the secure container can be a garageor shed or the like, fitted with the electronic bolt and control circuitetc. The container can be insulated or refrigerated to permit deliveryof frozen goods.

While the invention has been described with respect to use of a copy ofthe barcode as a consignment programming code for the container 22,alternative methods of programming can be used. For example a digitalkeypad could be provided on the container 22, and the token T would thenbe an alphanumeric code to generate a barcode in the control circuit 42;this would be usable if the purchaser did not have access to a printerto print out a programming barcode. The driver would still bring hisdriver unlock token as a barcode. The consignment unlock barcode orother code can be delivered by mail or fax.

While the embodiment has been described with respect to orders placedover the Internet, the invention is equally applicable to orders placedby telephone, by fax, in writing, or in person at a supplier's premises.

While the embodiment has been described with respect to the use of abarcode and barcode reader for reading the driver's unlock code and theconsignment identity, any form of electronic labelling such as a stripresponsive to radio-frequency may be used in conjunction with aproximity detector; the requirement is that the electronic label must beunique to each delivery or returned item.

In one variation, a mobile telephone can be used to supply a textmessage as an unlock code, and the mobile or a laptop or palm topcomputer having an infrared transponder, can be used to transmit theunlock code to the control circuit 42. Yet another variation is the useof a radio data receiver such as a low-cost radio-paging device builtinto the secure container both to receive the consignment unlock codeand to transmit it to the control circuit 42. Where two-way radio orradio-paging service is available, this can also be used to transmit adelivery receipt to the supplier.

For additional security, the purchaser's master code should beregeneratable at intervals by use for example of a PC running softwareprotected by a log-in identity and password/Personal IdentificationNumber.

In the container shown in FIG. 2, as an alternative to the provision ofboth internal and external barcode readers, a single reader plus amirror system to allow reading of an externally presented barcode andalso the barcode attached to the goods within the container may be used.

While the invention has been described with respect to delivery atsingle-occupant premises, it is also applicable to a multi-tenantedbuilding. Each resident could have an individual code, while theexternal access door could be programmed to allow any occupant to allowaccess by the driver to the building on a once-only basis. There couldeither be a separate secure container for each occupant, or a singlecontainer for the whole building if there is a low risk of two or moredeliveries on the same day.

Alternatively, multiple deliveries to the same container can be made,with the control circuit 42 having a memory device such as anon-volatile EEPROM to record all the deliveries, and the internalbarcode reader 46 being arranged to ensure that all delivered goods arestill present before a receipt is issued for the latest delivery. As analternative, the receipt for new goods could indicate that a previouslydelivered item was no longer visible to the internal barcode reader 46.

The invention could also be used to enable out of hours delivery tocommercial premises, affording better utilisation of delivery resources.

If the purchaser 12 loses the barcode before the goods 18 are delivered,or suffers a printer failure, a duplicate could be provided on conditionthat the purchaser provides security information, such as a postcode,and a Personal Identification Number sent by the supplier 16 as part ofthe order process, plus optionally an order number.

It is expected that a method according to the invention will be operatedby an overall proprietor servicing a number of supply companies; theproprietor will supply each supply company with unlock-code generatingsoftware which ensures that each unlock code is unique. Further, thesoftware can be time-limited or usage-limited so that the proprietor canapply financial control to the supply companies.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for securely ordering and takingdelivery of goods comprising the steps of: a purchaser placing an orderfor goods with a supplier; the supplier sending to the purchaser anunlock barcode associated with the goods and placing a related barcodeon the goods or packaging thereof; the purchaser programming said unlockbarcode into a programmable barcode reader means on an electronicallylockable container accessible by a delivery driver; the delivery driverentering the related barcode into the programmable barcode reader means;the programmable barcode reader means permitting the container to beopened; the delivery driver placing the goods in the container onceopened; and locking the container once the goods are placed in thecontainer.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein after the goodshave been placed in the container, the related barcode on the goods orthe packaging thereof is read again, a comparison is made of the relatedbarcode and the unlock barcode, and if a match therebetween is present,the container is electronically locked.
 3. The method according to claim2 further comprising initiating transmission of a receipt message forreception by a portable receiver external to the container.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1 in which the purchaser opens the containerto remove the goods by means of a purchaser master barcode card.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1 in which the purchaser places an order forgoods over the Internet, and the supplier sends the unlock barcodeassociated with the goods via the Internet.
 6. The method according toclaim 1 wherein the container comprises an electronic lock; a barcodereader means arranged to read an externally presented barcode; and acontrol circuit programmable to recognize an unlock barcode, arranged sothat presentation of said unlockable barcode to the barcode reader meanscauses the electronic lock to permit the container to be opened.
 7. Themethod according to claim 6 wherein the container further comprisesmeans to read a copy of the unlock barcode secured to the goods or thepackaging thereof when positioned within the container, the controlcircuit then causing the electronic lock to lock the container.
 8. Themethod according to claim 6 wherein the control circuit is arranged tocause the electronic lock to permit the container to be opened only onceon external presentation of the unlock barcode to the barcode readermeans.
 9. A method for secure pick-up of goods comprising steps of: apremises occupier requesting pick-up of goods; a service providersending to the premises occupier an unlock barcode code; the premisesoccupier placing the goods in an electronically lockable containeraccessible by a delivery driver, the container having a programmablebarcode reader means, and programming the container to be unlockableonly on entry of a related unlock barcode; electronically locking thecontainer; a delivery driver entering said related unlock barcode intothe programmable barcode reader means; the container beingelectronically unlocked; and the delivery driver removing from thecontainer the goods to be picked up.